There is a strong demand in Kentucky's industrial sector to implement energy saving projects. Two years ago, the Department for Energy Development and Independence began working with its partners, the Cabinet for Economic Development and the University of Louisville's Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center, to create programs to help companies cut energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial and commercial sectors. As a result of funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), three major programs helped businesses, industries and other organizations develop environmentally sustainable, cost-saving solutions for improved efficiencies.
Two of these programs were operated by the University of Louisville's Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center: Kentucky Save Energy Now and the Kentucky Industrial Commercial Sustainability Program. Although funded from two different federal grants, both programs supported services to promote implement, and enhance environmental sustainability efforts. The third program, the Kentucky Industrial Facility Retrofit Program, is implemented by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and provided competitive grant funds for energy-efficiency upgrades in existing industrial plants. Grant funds were available through April 2012.
Kentucky Save Energy Now
27 Industrial and large commercial facilities have pledged to reduce energy consumption by 2.5 percent a year for 10 years. As KY SEN participants pursued goals to reduce energy usage, KPPC gave assistance throughout the process and as a result, these facilities averaged a higher rate of project implementation than the non-pledged facilities.
Showcase Links
- Florida Tile, Lawrenceburg, Ky. (Lighting Upgrade)
- Montaplast of North America, Frankfort, Ky. (Lighting Upgrade)
- General Electric Aviation, Madisonville, Ky. (Lighting Upgrade)
- Sekisui Specialty Chemicals, Calvert City, Ky. (Lighting Upgrade)
- International Paper Company, Henderson, Ky. (Whitewater Filtration System)
- Lonza (formally Arch Chemicals), Brandenburg, Ky. (Condensing Economizer)
- 3M Company, Cynthiana, Ky. (Air Handler Upgrade and Advance Energy Monitoring)
- GM, Bowling Green, Ky. (Lighting Upgrade)
- Hausner Hard-Chrome, Inc., Owensboro, Ky. (Lighting Upgrade)
- AGC Automotive Americas, Elizabethtown, Ky. (Lighting Upgrade)
- GE Appliances, Louisville, Ky. (Lighting Upgrade and Steam/Heat Delivery Upgrade)